Arts
Ongoing-April: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit. The Christus Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the art of Father Chad Partain. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing-June 23: Witness to Wartime: Takuichi Fujii Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art. Witness to Wartime: Takuichi Fujii introduces an artist whose work opens a window to historical events, issues, and ideas far greater than the individual. Takuichi Fujii (1891-1964) bore witness to his life in America and, most especially, to his experience during World War II. Fujii left a remarkably comprehensive visual record of this important time in American history and offers a unique perspective on his generation. This stunning body of work sheds light on events that most Americans did not experience, but whose lessons remain salient today. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
April 6-May 26: 4th Annual Dirty South Cup Call & Competition, River Oaks Arts Center. Guest Juror will be Artist – Sam Chung. Artists from all over the United States will participate in this event, submitting their best cup, mug, or Yunomi for Judging. Call: 318-473-2670.
April 10: LSUA Life Long Learner Series: Kota Reliquary Figures, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm. AMoA’s own Madilyn Anderson will present a lecture on Kota Reliquary figures, as part of LSUA’s Life Long Learner lecture series. She received her B.A. in Art History at LSU and is currently pursuing an M.A. at Northwestern State University. Anderson will be discussing the culture, history and examining the objects that they produced. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-4358. www.themuseum.org
Music
April 12: Downtown Rocks, Alexandria City Hall, 6:00pm-8:00pm. The Spring Outdoor Concert Series wraps up with The Side Men live in concert. Alternate rain location will be Convention Hall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-449-5108.
April 27: Variety is the Spice of Life, St. James Episcopal Church, 7:30pm. The Red River choral presents five centuries of great choral music in the beautiful acoustic of St. James Episcopal church. The concert in the church will include a variety of classical selections by such composers as Henry Purcell, J.S. Bach, Robert Shaw, and John Ness Beck. The cabaret will take place in the adjacent parish hall, where guests will be offered refreshments while being entertained in a casual setting by talented individuals and ensembles from within the Chorale. Tickets are available at redriverchorale.com or ticket-central.org. Cost: $15.00 adults; $5.00 students. Call: 318-484-4463.
April 28: RSO Presents Fantastic Voyages, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm. The Rapides Symphony Orchestra presents the finale concert for our 2017-2018 concert season with Rimsky-Korsakov’s famous Scheherazade and Wagner’s Siegfried’s Rhine Journey. Call: 318-442-9709.
Theatre
April 5-8, 12-15: Yasmina Reza’s Life x 3, LSUA Richard Gwartney Theatre. Robert Harper directs LSUA Empty Space Players’ production of Life x 3. Henri and Sonia are putting their son to bed when Hubert and Ines arrive for dinner, a day earlier than expected. As the evening degenerates, Yasmina Reza’s play – elegantly translated by Christopher Hampton–blends cruel observations with high comedy in a hilarious and poignant examination of our most personal intimacies and private longings. Thursday-Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30pm; Sunday matinees begin at 2:30pm. For mature audiences only. No one under the age of 13 will be admitted. Cost: $5.00 students/seniors; $10.00 general admission. Call: 318-473-6473.
April 12-22: CPP Presents Barefoot in the Park, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre. Paul and Corie Bratter are newlyweds in every sense of the word. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie’s loopy mother and decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic, Velasco, where everything that can go wrong, does. Directed by Michael Dalme and Jim Leggett. Performances begin nightly at 7:30pm Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday matinees presented at 2:30pm. Cost: $15.00 adults; $12.00 seniors; $7.00 students; $5.00 Thursdays. Call: 318-484-4478.
May 3-6: Disney’s High School Musical, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Lagniappe Theatre Company Presents your favorite characters from the hit Disney movie live on stage. All the songs you’ve come love and many more. See Troy, Gabriella, Chad, Taylor, Ryan, and Sharpay as they try to get into the school musical without disrupting the status quo of their respective cliques. Call: 318-487-8243.
Events
Ongoing-April: New Hope Al-Anon Group, Horseshoe Drive Methodist Church in Alexandria, 7:00pm. The New Hope Al-Anon Group meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Al-Anon is a mutual support group for anyone having experienced a problem with someone else’s drinking or addiction. You are free to ask questions or to talk about your situation or just listen. Every meeting is different. Each meeting has the autonomy to be run as its members choose, within guidelines designed to promote Al-Anon unity. Cost: Free.
April 7: Spring Herb Day, Kent Plantation House, 8:00am-1:00pm. Romance at arm’s length, you say? Yes, serious romance! Spring Herb Day, Arts & Craft Festival and Yard Sale is a morning of treasure hunting. The romance lies within the finds of the day, the intoxicating scents from fresh herbs that enhance the garden, bargains at the yard sale and treasures from the many vendors that pepper the Kent Plantation House lawn with their special wares. Experts will be on hand to help with your herb selection, care and use. It’s the ultimate pleasure! Call: 318-487-5998.
April 7: Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-3:00pm. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this one-day class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on advantages, preparation and troubleshooting techniques. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for your baby. Research shows that learning about breastfeeding prenatally enhances your breastfeeding experience. The support partner/father is welcome to attend. Lunch is included. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
April 7: Pumpkin Challenge and Storytime, Boyce Branch Library, 11:00am. Listen to stories about gardens and get a chance to grow your own pumpkin! A contest for the biggest and greatest pumpkin ever! Get your starter pumpkin seed and take care of it throughout the growing season. Then check out books, magazines to learn how to care, feed and grow your own great pumpkin for the Fall festival show off your pumpkin! Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
April 7: Vintage Theatre Presents Easter Parade, Westside Regional Library, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Classic musical, Broadway star Don Hewes’ (Fred Astaire) dancing partner (Ann Miller) goes solo, and Don declares that he can make a hit performer out of the next dancer he sees. This turns out to be the inexperienced Hannah (Judy Garland), who bristles as Don tries to make her into his old partner. But as he realizes that he is falling in love with Hannah, Don knows that he must let her grow into her own kind of dancer if he wants her to reach her full potential. Refreshments served. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
April 9: DIY Coffee Filter Flowers, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. It is amazing what you can make from paper coffee filters! Join Melissa as she uses plain coffee filters and food coloring to create a spring bouquet to enjoy! All materials provided. Registration is strongly encouraged to make sure supplies are available for everyone. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
April 9: Art of Life Series (AM), Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. We explore our creativity in this series, where we create, imagine, and transform ourselves through art. Registration is required, space is limited. This event is sponsored by Healthy Blue. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
April 9: Pass the Pinwheel, Alexandria City Hall, 10:30am. Join Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana for its annual “Pass the Pinwheel” event to raise awareness of child abuse prevention. Pass the Pinwheel begins at Alexandria City Hall, and pinwheels will be distributed beginning at 11:00am at RWHC, the Alexandria Zoo, MacArthur Village Shopping Center and Care Tec Pediatric Center in Bunkie. www.pcal.org
April 9: Good Mourning Widowed Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:00pm. This is an ongoing support group for men and women whose spouse has died. There will be group sharing time and this group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to those who are newly grieving. The Mourning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Check our Face Book page: CHRISTUS Widowed and Widowers. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
April 10 & 12: In the Laboratory with David Sproles, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. We’re using a digital multi-meter. An instrument used by electrical engineers to measure safely voltage. We’ll check batteries to see if they’re good or discharged. We learn how to use the meter to find where electrical problems are and fix them! Safety is stressed and parents must sign a release. Pre-Registration is required and space is limited. Sponsored with a grant from Cleco. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
April 10: Making It Work, RRMC Gallery Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. A breastfeeding class for working moms, this class is designed to support working mothers who want to continue breastfeeding and need to know how to fit it into their daily schedule. The class will focus on management of milk supply and offer strategies to sustain pumping. Other topics include types of pumps, storage and handling of milk and strategies to prevent problems. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
April 11: Child Safety Seat Check, RRMC Medical Terrace driveway, 2:00pm-5:00pm. A trained child passenger safety educator will take a look at your car seats, make sure they are not under recall, make sure the seat is installed properly and show you how to correctly install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. Cost: Free.
April 11: Patron Appreciation Day, Westside Regional Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Celebrating National Library Week with a Patron Appreciation Day. Without you we cannot do what we do – come in and celebrate with us. Refreshments served. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
April 12: Front Yard Farmers Market, Kent Plantation House, 3:00pm-6:00pm. What’s new in the community? People talk about fresh produce, pepper jelly, organic veggies, and location, location, location is the key. Stroll the grounds to find organic, farm-fresh foods, luscious baked goods and scrumptious jellies from local vendor booths, located in the front yard. Some scheduled vendors are: CK Farms, Geaux Green Farm, and Louisiana Laginappe Foods. Call: 318-487-5998.
April 12: Delight to Write, King Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Celebrating National Card and Letter Day, rediscover the lost art of longhand written letters of thanks, notes of encouragement and birthday cards and cards of condolences. All supplies, note cards, stationery, envelopes, stamps and everything you need to send a thoughtful letter or card to a loved one or to a friend from long ago. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
April 12: Crayons, Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. We’re having an Adults social gathering where we’ll do some coloring, listen to some music and have a light snack. Unwind after a long day or join us for the fun of it. Stop by and create! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
April 12: Button Art Adult Craft Project, Robertson Branch Library, 5:00pm. With a collection of buttons of all sizes and shapes, we’ll create a design on canvas board to celebrate the coming of spring! All supplies are provided; pre-registration is encouraged. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org
April 13-14: Annual Boyce Friends of the Library Book Sale, Boyce Branch Library, 10:00am. Sponsored by the Friends of the Boyce Library, this is the first of a two-day book sale. We’ll have books for sale by the inch all genres for adults, fiction and non-fiction, as well as paperbacks, children’s books, CDs, and DVDs. Most materials range from $.50 to $1.00. Call: 318-793-2180. www.rpl.org
April 14: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-2:30pm. This one-day class, taught by a certified childbirth instructor, prepares couples for the actual delivery. Topics include stages of labor and delivery, when to go to the hospital, pain management, assisted delivery, Cesarean birth as well as a tour of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A light lunch will be provided. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
April 14: Da Parish Crawfish Boiling Championship, St. Joseph Church Hall in Marksville, 11:00am-6:00pm. The competition boils over with all-you-can-eat crawfish, music, entertainment, kids activities and 25 teams competing for the title. With over 6,000lbs of crawfish to boil, eat all you can until it’s gone! Cost: $20.00 adults; $8.00 children 5-12.; Free under 5. Prices higher at the gate.
April 14: Main Movie Mania Presents Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (PG-13), Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Capt. Jack Sparrow feels the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost sailors led by his old nemesis, the evil Capt. Salazar, escape from the Devil’s Triangle. Pre-registration is encouraged. Refreshments will be served. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
April 16: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s & Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:00pm. This class is offered to children expecting a little brother or sister. It helps them understand where mom is when the baby is being born and lets them know how important it is to become a big brother or sister. The ideal age for this class is 3-10. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.
April 17: Master Crafter Series: Rope Containers, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. With rope, jute, and twine, we create cool containers for the living room, bathroom or kitchen. We’ll use our collection of ribbons and beads to use to embellish our container or leave it natural. Registration is required, space is limited. This event is sponsored by Healthy Blue. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
April 17: Camp Livingston and World War II Panel Discussion, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm-7:00pm. Come join AMoA staff and guest panel to discuss Camp Livingston and Central Louisiana during the Second World War. Composed of scholars who have researched the war and the camp, as well as a member of the Kohara family, this discussion will focus on the experiences of those who were interned and worked with Camp Livingston. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
April 17: Upcycled Smartphone or Tablet Holder, Robertson Branch Library, 5:30pm-7:00pm. It’s amazing what you can do with paper towel or bathroom tissue tubes! We celebrate Earth Day with an upcycled project that turned an ordinary cardboard tube into a set of speakers for our tech! All supplies are provided; registration is encouraged. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org
April 18: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-12:00pm. This program is designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program; therefore, no physician referral is required. The program content follows the American Diabetes Association guidelines and uses a variety of teaching methods to enhance learning. Topics include meal planning, monitoring blood sugar, medications, complications, and learning to deal with a chronic disease. The course is taught by Sandy Couvillon, Registered Dietitian, and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Space is limited. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.
April 18: Cenla Women’s Connection, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. Suzi Richey will present “The Attitudes for Success”. Suzi is an Alexandria resident and business owner. Invite your friends and join us for a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please RSVP by Friday, April 13th. Call: 318-481-7880.
April 19: As Young As You Feel Day, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:30pm. Participants age 50 and up will have a wonderful time playing games of the past and present. Do not miss out on the fun! A light lunch will be provided. This event is sponsored by Healthy Blue. Registration is required, space is limited. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
April 19: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. This group meets monthly and is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their family/caregiver. We offer educational handouts and programs plus a chance to share with others. Lunch is provided. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
April 19: Earth Day Project: Helping Pollinators, McDonald Branch Library, 3:30pm-4:30pm. To celebrate Earth Day, we’re making pinecone bird feeders and bee habitats to be hung around our gardens and backyard sanctuaries. Bees and birds pollinate our world, so we give back by creating feeders and homes for the pollinators of the earth! All supplies provided to participants. Registration is encouraged to ensure there are supplies for everyone. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
April 19: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. Quarterly meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: 337-234-0088.
April 19: Books and Coffee Beans, Westside Regional Library, 6:00pm. There is nothing better than a good book, a nice cup of coffee and some friendly conversation about the books we love. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
April 19: Influencing and Surviving Change: An Educational Information Seminar, King Branch Library, 6:00pm-7:00pm. Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault or LaFASA, is a non-profit organization that provides information, help and support to survivors of sexual violence. LaFASA offers information and coping skills to survivors. LaFASA’s mission is to facilitate survival and, ultimately, end sexual violence in Louisiana. Registration is encouraged and because of the nature of the information, discretion is advised. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
April 20: Magazine Bowls Teen Earth Day Craft, Martin Branch Library, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Create an upcycled catch-all bowl made entirely from magazines. It’s a colorful and textural craft for teens to enjoy while learning the principles of recycling and repurposing items. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org
April 20: Marble Dipped Mugs Teen Craft Project, McDonald Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. A swirl and splash of color — we create unique one of a kind marbleized mugs to enjoy coffee or hot tea. Everything is provided! Registration is encouraged to ensure there are supplies for everyone. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
April 20: Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. Look and See is a cinematic portrait of the changing landscapes and shifting values of rural America in the era of industrial agriculture, as seen through the mind’s eye of writer, farmer, and activist, Wendell Berry. Filmmaker Laura Dunn skillfully weaves Berry’s poetic and prescient words with gorgeous cinematography and the testimonies of his family and neighbors. Part of the 2018 Southern Circuit Film Series. Cost: $10.00 adults; $8.00 students. Call: 318-484-4474.
April 21: Cenla HoliFest and Color Run, Tamp & Grind in Downtown Alexandria, 11:00am. Our goal, with this Centuries old Indian Festival Holi-Fest is twofold–make people aware around us to appreciate and take notice of the beauty in life & culture that lies within our world…Cenla! All proceeds benefit the Children’s Advocacy Network. Cost: Free. Call: 318-792-1147.
April 21: Party for the Planet, Alexandria Zoo, 11:00am-3:00pm. It’s a Party for the Planet and you’re invited! From recycling to gardening to shopping choices, we’ve got your passport to discovery. Learn fun, simple ways we can save our world and wildlife at interactive booths with activities, games, and giveaways. There will also be live music, animal encounters, and costume characters. Cost: Regular admission. Call: 318-441-6810.
April 21: Earth Day Celebration, Westside Regional Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. We’re celebrating the day with the children by planting strawberries! We’ll learn how to take care of our plants, feed them and help them grow. Then you’ll be able to take home your own strawberry plant to watch it grow, bloom and make delicious strawberries! All supplies are provided. Registration to ensure there are materials and plants for everyone participating is encouraged. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
April 21: Cenla Cruis’n Car Show & Music Fest, Downtown Alexandria, 11:00am-6:00pm. Cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome! This fun-filled event will feature Food Trucks, Beer Garden, Live Music, Raffles, Prizes, and Kids Fun, too! Proceeds to Benefit the Arna Bontemps African American Museum & Cultural Arts Center. Cost: $25.00 Car Show Entry Fee. Call: 318-487-1881.
April 21: Family BINGO, King Branch Library, 2:00pm-3:00pm. Gather the family for an afternoon of BINGO Blast! All BINGO games will be supplied. Popcorn and light refreshments served. All ages welcome! Bring friends and family. Gifts sponsored by the Jena Choctaw Casino. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
April 21-22: 44th Annual Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, Melrose Plantation. More than 100 vendors will set their tents and tables beneath the gorgeous live oak trees of Melrose. Artists will show and sell their original paintings, stained glass, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing, photography, plants, toys, woodworking products, pottery and more. The festival is sponsored by The Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN) and all proceeds go directly to the upkeep and preservation of Melrose Plantation. Cost: $5.00 adults; $2.00 children 6-12; Free for children 5 and under.
April 23: Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-1:00pm. This group is designed for Caregivers and/or family members of those diagnosed with Alzheimer/Dementia. We offer educational handouts, sharing time, and lunch is provided. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
April 23: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. The staff from Brookdale will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach for those with Alzheimer’s disease. This group meets on the fourth Monday of the month in conjunction with the Caregivers Support Group. The caregiver must attend the Caregivers Group and stay on campus during this group time. Lunch is provided. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
April 23: Art of Life Series (PM), Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. We explore our creativity in this series, where we create, imagine, and transform ourselves through art. Registration is required, space is limited. This event is sponsored by Healthy Blue. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
April 23: Ancestry.com Library Edition: Exploring the Census Records, Robertson Branch Library, 5:00pm-7:00pm. One of the best ways to track down an elusive ancestor is through the census. Using Ancestry.com Library Edition, we’ll dive into the census records and attempt to uncover our ancestors, where they lived, what they were doing, and perhaps even follow them as they moved about the country. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org
April 23: “Wine”ding Down with a Good Book Adult Craft, King Branch Library, 6:00pm. Janai’s Touch of Class is hosting a DIY wine bottle craft. There are hundreds of wonder crafty ways to upcycle wine bottles, and other glass bottles. Come and find out how it’s done and couple the craft with a great novel to take you through the week! All supplies provided, and registration is necessary. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
April 24: Gardening Q&A, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-10:30am. The Good Food Project is in the MakerSpace lab. From Asters to Zinnias, we’ll answer your gardening questions! You won’t want to miss it. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
April 24: Come Write In, Rapides Main Library, 5:30pm. Guest Speaker Pamela Thibeaux, author and promoter will be discussing her Christian series, “Inspiration with an Edge!” She will also answer questions on publishing and promotion. Bring your writing projects or ideas and release the artist inside us all! Bring a writing/reading friend with you! Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
April 24: Girl Talk, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Rapides Regional Medical Center offers this two-hour class designed for girls between the ages of 9 and 13 and their mothers. If mothers can’t attend, aunts and grandmothers are welcome. The class will explain some of the physical and emotional changes that occur to adolescents during puberty. The class is also designed to help parents open the lines of communication with their daughters. Cost: $20.00 per family. Call: 318-769-3445.
April 24: Journalers Unite, Westside Regional Library, 6:00pm-7:00pm. Come in and learn about the various journaling styles and get some writing done. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
April 25: Coffee Filter Flowers Family Craft, Hineston Branch Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. With food coloring and carefully folded coffee filters, we’ll create beautiful spring bouquets of flowers. The best part, they won’t wilt, and they don’t need water to keep them fresh! All supplies are provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-8461. www.rpl.org
April 25: Beginning TinkerCAD, McDonald Branch Library, 2:30pm-4:30pm. Learn how to create your own 3D designs! Participants will learn how to use TinkerCAD, a free easy-to-learn online application to create, modify and print 3D models. Access to email is required. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
April 25: The Incredible Edible Book Fest, King Branch Library, 4:00pm. Have a book that is so good, so juicy, so incredible you could take a bite out of it? Come and share the second Edible Book Fest – entries are encouraged but not necessary, there will be plenty of delicious books to sample! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
April 27: Relay on the Red, Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater, 6:00pm. The festival-style event will feature live entertainment from Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, opening ceremonies, a cancer survivor celebration, food and activities for all ages. Donations made at the event benefit the American Cancer Society. The evening will conclude with fireworks over the river during a beautiful Luminaria Ceremony of Hope held to honor survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer. Hundreds of luminaria bags will be decorated and filled with candles to display during this special ceremony. Anyone can dedicate a luminaria for a $10 donation. Cost: Free. Call: 800-227-2345.
April 28: League of Trucks, Buhlow Lake Boat Launch, 9:00am-1:00pm. This fundraiser will feature an array of large vehicles from construction equipment to rescue trucks that will be displayed for children of all ages to see, touch, and learn about. Kids will also have the opportunity to meet the workforce and heroes that protect, serve, and build our community. Demonstrations will include the use of sirens, horns, and lights. In order to accommodate children with special needs and sensitive ears, there will be a “silent hour” designated in which no lights or loud noises will be allowed. Sponsored by the Junior League of Alexandria. Cost: $5.00. Call: 318-443-6975.
April 28: Author Spotlight: Susane Lavalais Boykins, King Branch Library, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Ms. Lavalais Boykins will be on-site to discuss her novel Water of the River Red, as well as sign purchased copies. She will tell of us of her upcoming projects as well as background information of becoming an author. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
April 28: Meet the Greeks, Frank O. Hunter Park in Alexandria, 2:00pm-6:00pm. This event is geared towards high school juniors and seniors, but open to everyone. Students will have the opportunity to receive information on each of the Divine 9 (African American Fraternities & Sororities), as well as Mason and OES. The event will also include a Voter Registration Drive, which encourages youth and non-voters to sign up to vote and “Be The Change We Want To See”. This is a community-wide, family-friendly event. There will be vendors offering an assortment of products and food. Call: 262-598-6330.
May 3-5: AlexRiverFete, Downtown Alexandria. The City of Alexandria, in partnership with dozens of local arts organizations and programs, combines the success of existing cultural events, bringing them “all under one roof” for three days in Downtown Alexandria. Together with numerous local businesses, community participants, teams, civic leaders and sponsors, the AlexRiverFête celebration embodies the spirit of community, culture and collaboration, featuring live music, food, drinks, entertainment, arts & crafts, the Louisiana Dragon Boat races, fireworks and much more! Cost: Free. Call: 318-449-5225.
Sports
Ongoing-April: Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga Rx Room, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Come make new friends, get flexible and enjoy the health benefits of Yoga! Classes are on-going and meet every Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
April 10, 17, 24 & May 1: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Part of Healthy Living at AMoA. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
April 5, 12, 19, 26 & May 3: Tai Chi Chih Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga Rx Room, 9:30am-10:30am. Come learn meditation in motion. Cost: Free. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
April 7, 14, 21, 28 & May 5: Saturday Morning Qi Gong, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. Originating in ancient China roughly four thousand years ago, Qi Gong or Qigong (pronounced Chee Gong, literally “Life Energy Cultivation”) is an ancient system of coordinated body postures and movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. It is a powerful tool used to stimulate good health, spirituality, and a state of calm mindfulness. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
April 13: Rapides Cancer Center Colors of Courage 5K and Color Run, Rapides Cancer Center, 6:00pm. Rapides Cancer Center is hosting a 5K run/walk to benefit the American Cancer Society. The course features multiple color stations. Registration includes chip-timing. Online registration is available through www.imathlete.com. Cost: $30.00.
April 14: Despino Tire’s Children’s Miracle Network Bass Tournament, San Miguel Park at Toledo Bend, 6:00am. The tournament is a fundraiser benefitting Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. First place winner receives $20,000, with 30 places paid back. Register at Despino Tire, 3011 North MacArthur Drive in Alexandria. Registration will also be held at San Miguel Park Toledo Bend on Friday, April 13th from 4:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday, April 14th from 5:00am-6:30am. First Cast at 6:45am; check-in at 3:00pm. Cost: $250 entry fee; $10.00 Big Bass Entry Fee. Call: 318-445-4561.
April 14: Kids Yoga, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. On the second Saturday of each month, Shannon Brewer presents a Kids Yoga class at the Museum. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
April 21: Inglewood Classic 5k & Fun Run Benefit, Inglewood Farm, 7:00am. Join in the fun at the special Earth Day Celebration at Market with the Annual 5k & Fun Run benefit for The Good Food Project! The Creel Family will be out with Red & Blue for Kids Horse Rides, featuring live Music by local band Flashback and the full farmer’s market. Call: 318-442-6398.
April 28: Louisiana Athletic Club 5K Miracle Run, LAC Alexandria, 7:00am. Louisiana Athletic Club 5k Miracle Run 2018 will benefit Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Cost: $35.00. Call Ronnie Shwartz: 318-487-1000.
